Category: Female Hair Loss

Hi,
I’ve recently had a blood test by my dermatologist which indicated a high level of DHEA (about 1343 ng/dL) Can this be the cause of my hair loss for the past 3 years? I have always had thick, thick hair that was very strong up until a few years ago. Now I have a patch of hair near the left center of my crown that refuses to grow back (There is no scarring) The dermatologist thinks he has found the cause but I’m not so sure. He prescribed Spironolactone (100mg) and Rogaine 5% (for men) How can I be sure it’s DHEA? Should I have further testing? I’ve just set an appointment with an Endocrinologist. The hair on my head is thick except the one section and I see some “female pattern baldness” as well near the top part of the crown (hair is very thin) Any suggestions? Other than the high levels of DHEA my blood screening was normal.

P.S. – I am about 90 pounds overweight. Can you help me?

Without seeing you it is almost impossible for me to determine the diagnosis. You report a limited bald area which should not be the case with a hormone problem, as this often produces a more generalized hair loss process. DHEA (an androgen like testosterone) can bring on balding in those individuals genetically prone to losing hair, so the use of spironolactone can reduce the impact of such an androgen if this is a cause of the hair loss.

I would want to know what is going on elsewhere on your scalp (perform mapping of the scalp for miniaturization to show the genetic signs I would expect to find) before I jump in to validate your working diagnosis. Internet opinions without a direct examination for someone like you has marginal value.

(female)
I tried using Rogaine a couple of years ago but stopped after 3 months because my eyes became very red and sore. I am considering starting to use the foam for men, 5%. Is there a known problem with the female version causing sore eyes?

Is it possiblle the foam will not have this effect – if it were indeed side effect of the Rogaine?

That could be an allergy to an added ingredient in the minoxidil liquid or it could even be the minoxidil itself. The liquid is known to cause eye irritation in the 5% solution. The female version that you used is likely the 2% formula… so if you had the problem with your eyes with 2%, I’d expect you would see it from the 5%.

That being said, it might be worth giving the Rogaine Foam a try since it is a different way to apply the medication.

Dear Dr. Rassman,
I am a 30 year old woman, and I have a question about female pattern baldness. Both my mother (60 years old), and her mother (85 years old) have severely thinning hair, and have had for as long as I can remember. I have the same type of hair as they had when they were younger (fine and curly), and I am afraid that as I age my hair will start to thin as well. Is there anything I can do now to prevent this? I colour my hair approximately 3 times per year as I am going prematurely grey as well. On my fathers side, there is a history of male pattern baldness (all of my half-brothers were balding in their early twenties).

I would appreciate any advice that you could give, as I rather like my hair, and would like to keep it as long as possible. Thank you.

Female hair loss does run in families, but there is no one-to-one correlation between your mother’s problem and what you may experience. It is possible that you will not inherit the hair loss problem, but at this time one can not really say one way or the other. It doesn’t look to be in your favor with your heavy family history of hair loss, but unfortunately there’s really no preventive measures to take against your genetics. The best you could do is try minoxidil (Rogaine/Regaine) if you see the loss begin.

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I purchased rogaine for women to begin the regimen but misplaced the pamphlet which provides detailed instruction for usage, especially as it relates to chemically treated hair. Can I obtain this detailed information online and if so, where? Thanks

This should be the same information that is included with the Rogaine (liquid and foam) packaging –

• For men: How to apply and Important drug facts
• For women: How to apply and Important drug facts

Here’s what it specifically says about using Rogaine on chemically treated hair: “Rogaine can be used on color-treated hair. You may blow-dry your hair, but it’s best to use medium heat or lower. On the same day that your hair is colored or treated with chemicals, don’t use Rogaine if you’re concerned about scalp irritation.”